Jakin Vela, PhD
Sociologist | Consultant | Games Industry Professional
Work in games, management consultancy, and non-profit leadership.
About Me
Personal BioI consider myself a connector of sorts.I help connect people with new ideas and perspectives, especially ones grounded in sociological thought (e.g., underlying social systems, structures, cultures, and influences).I help connect people with others. In fact, one of my favorite things is to connect individuals to fulfilling careers that integrate their diverse skillset and values. I also enjoy connecting employers and hiring managers with exceptional talent.And, last but certainly not least, I help (re)connect people more deeply with themselves, whether it's through a long and meaningful conversation or a suggestion for a helpful resource. I've found that self reflection and integration of our life's lessons often take a back-seat when we're "going through the motions" unless we have someone on our side who reminds us of our fullest potential, our goals, and our deepest desires.
Professional BioI'm a sociologist, game developer, and community advocate working at the intersection of systems, storytelling, and social change. With a PhD in Sociology and a background in music, I blend research, creative design, and organizational leadership to help shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the games industry.As Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), I lead global efforts to support game developers through advocacy, policy, and community-building—centered around labor equity, diversity, and career sustainability. I also co-lead two indie game studios: Astral Interactive, developing a narrative-driven game exploring queer identity and belonging; and Tiger Bear Games, crafting an open-world, music-based puzzle adventure rooted in growth, grief, and harmony.As a mixed-methods researcher, I explore identity, stigma, and digital culture—particularly how inclusive communities in games can buffer against minority stress and support mental health. My work combines structural equation modeling (SEM) with arts-based research, including composing original music to represent qualitative data and bring emotional depth to social analysis.My career spans nonprofit leadership, higher ed, legal services, and film production, and I’m the founder of MagiTech Management Solutions, a consulting firm helping small businesses and nonprofits build thoughtful, scalable strategies using technology and project management tools.Outside of work, I’ve been a singer-songwriter for over 20 years, a passionate vegan cook and baker, and a dedicated percussionist with Dallas’ LGBTQ+ Oak Lawn Band, where I also serve as Director of Public Relations. I co-lead an LGBTQIA+ Final Fantasy XIV guild with my husband, Jordan, which I founded in 2015—and continue to grow as a lifelong learner by expanding my skills in audio production, coding, and interactive media.I believe that games—and the communities who build them—have the power to foster empathy, joy, and meaningful connection.One of my favorite quotes is from Marie Forleo:Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.I believe we can easily lose ourselves in constant overthinking, and often times the best path toward clarity is to simply try things out!
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